|
Press Release: The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) and The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) have come together to sign an agreement allowing fellows from either organization to take fellowship with each other’s association from the start of 2015. This cross-association agreement comes as the two associations vow to begin a new era of advanced cooperation. The agreement, signed by GAA's patron, Terry Coldham, and GAA's president, Katrina Marchioni, at Gem-A’s annual graduation ceremony on November 3, recognizes the equivalent status of the association’s two diplomas and allows fully paid-up members of either association to become fellows of their sister association. Cosigned by Gem-A's president, Harry Levy, chairman, Jason Williams, and witnessed by CIBJO's president, Gaetano Cavaileri, the agreement will come into force at the beginning of 2015 and signals the continuation of a period of advanced collaboration between Gem-A and its partners across the globe. Marchioni commented on the advanced cooperation between the British and Australian association by saying, "This historic agreement between our two associations signals the start of an exciting new era for our members. One in which we will not only continue to strengthen our already strong relationship in education -- now we can offer general membership benefits, as well. I look forward to receiving my first copy of a Gem-A publication. By working more closely together we have the opportunity to create a much stronger global presence for both associations. The GAA looks forward to working with our fellow members at Gem-A toward this goal."
Her thoughts were echoed by Coldham, "I am delighted to have played a part in the signing of this agreement. It is not only a further step toward cementing the practical arrangements between Gem-A and GAA in regard to the delivery of gemological education but also a very symbolic step reflecting the intentions of both associations to continue mutual co-operation for the benefit of their members." Gem-A's CEO, James Riley, went on to express the importance and practicality of this agreement for Gem-A saying, “For many years, the GAA and Gem-A have been working alongside one another in our education practices, but these connections have not extended into membership services. As there is both a historical and practical connection between the two associations, it only seems sensible for an agreement to exist whereby the membership services of each association can be provided to members of the other association. We’re really pleased to have come to this agreement with our friends at GAA and hope to continue a long and healthy relationship between the two Associations in the future.” For more information on Gem-A and GAA and the courses and membership services they offer, please visit the Gem-A website via www.gem-a.com or the GAA website via www.gem.org.au About Gem-A The Gemmological Association of Great Britain, or Gem-A, a London-based educational charity, is the world’s longest established provider of gem education and a membership organization that forms an international community of gem professionals and enthusiasts. Gem-A seeks to serve the best interests of the gem and jewelry industries worldwide through its commitment to supporting gemological research and high educational and trade standards. For information see www.gem-a.com. To find out more about Gem-A in general, please follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/GemAofGB Facebook: fb.com/GemAofGB and LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/gem-a
About GAA
The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) is Australia’s long established gemological educator. Since 1945, the association has been responsible for producing Australia’s gemologists by educating and updating members of the gem and jewelry industry and the general public, about all aspects of gemstones and their substitutes. Members of the GAA receive quarterly The Australian Gemmologist — the informative and prestigious journal of the association, also division newsletters, free talks by guest speakers, library facilities and special rates for courses. To find out more about GAA in general, please visit the GAA website via www.gem.org.au
Rapaport News is not responsible for, and does not endorse, the content of any third-party press release. This is not a Rapaport Press Release. It has been provided as additional information for our clients.
|